National Progress Report on the Implementation of Hyogo Framework for Action: Vanuatu

Strategic goals 1

Area 1

The more effective integration of disaster risk considerations into sustainable development policies,

planning and programming at all levels, with a special emphasis on disaster prevention, mitigation,

preparedness and vulnerability reduction.

Strategic Goal Statement:
Recognize disaster risk management as a sustainable development issue and mainstream all-hazards
risk management into all sectors and decision making processes at all levels of government, including
national planning and budgetary processes.

Area 2

The development and strengthening of institutions, mechanisms and capacities at all levels, in particular

at the community level, that can systematically contribute to building resilience to hazards.

Strategic Goal Statement:
Establish a strong governance framework for DRR and DM, with clear policies and legislation,
accountable institutional and organizational arrangements and connections across and within levels of
government, sectors and communities

Area 3

The systematic incorporation of risk reduction approaches into the design and implementation of

emergency preparedness, response and recovery programmes in the reconstruction of affected

communities.

Strategic Goal Statement:
Empower communities through targeted capacity enhancement to reduce their risks to hazards and
prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; promote knowledge based decision-making,
including traditional knowledge and know-how on disaster risk reduction and coping mechanisms in
times of disasters.

Priority for action 1

Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and a local priority with a strong institutional basis for

implementation.

Core indicator 1

National policy and legal framework for disaster risk reduction exists with decentralised responsibilities

and capacities at all levels.

Level of Progress achieved:
4: Substantial achievement attained but with recognized limitations in key aspects, such as financial
resources and/ or operational capacities

Description:

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Vanuatu has successfully developed a supplementary Priority Area for Action (PAA) to address DRR &
DM under the component of ‘safety, security and resilience’. The supplementary PAA outlines how to
mainstream DRR and DM across the different sectors in Vanuatu. Developed in tandem with the
supplementary PAA was the National Action Plan for DRR and DM, 2006 - 2016 (NAP). The PAA is the
overarching document that prioritises the strategic areas to be addressed in development and planning
for Vanuatu. In 2005, the Vanuatu Government recognized that their PAA, first developed in 2003 and
revised for the 2005 - 2007 period, failed to address disaster risk reduction and disaster management or
any of its component. Despite the development of NAP’s being endorsed by Pacific Leaders, the
Vanuatu NAP had to be developed through the processes and policies that govern Vanuatu. Thus, the
development of a supplementary PAA to facilitate the national implementation of the Regional
Framework for Action through the Vanuatu National Action Plan 2006 - 2016. To date the NAP is in its
third year of implementation. The supplementary PAA is poised for another review where the
recommendations by the team tasked with its development would be integrated into the PAA. The
supplementary PAA outlines how DRM is to be mainstreamed across the sectors in Vanuatu. The NAP
overall goal is to promote and ensure a safe, secure and resilient Vanuatu through the reduction of
social, economic, and environmental impacts of disasters on the people of Vanuatu and its economy,
thereby facilitating the achievement of their national development goals. The NAP also outlines
strategies and specific activities for the implementation of DRR and DM in Vanuatu. Sectors are also
designated responsibilities for implementation.

Context & Constraints:
The NAP clearly tasks the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management with allocating ministerial
budgets for DRR and DM to different ministries and departments that reflect prioritized strategies for
DRR and DM. The onus is on the other sectors to reflect the strategies of DRR and DM outlined in the
Supplementary PAA and NAP through their sector plans, corporate plans and annual work programmes.

In addition to operationalising the NAP, the legal framework for disaster risk reduction and disaster
management is under review to reflect the effective way of managing disaster risks and reducing
vulnerability as outlined in the Draft National Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management
Arrangements 2008. The legislative review and amendment was scheduled for September 2008.

Supporting document:
http://www.preventionweb.net/files/3561_VanuatuSupplementaryPrioritiesandActionAgendaPAA2006.pdf
[PDF 613.06 KB]

Core indicator 2

Dedicated and adequate resources are available to implement disaster risk reduction plans and activities

at all administrative levels

Level of Progress achieved:
4: Substantial achievement attained but with recognized limitations in key aspects, such as financial
resources and/ or operational capacities

Description:
In the budgeting period from 2006 to 2008, the Vanuatu Government approved a total of VT24.7 million
towards the mainstreaming of DRR and DM. The allocation was towards:
a)the organisational restructure (personnel and operations) of the National Disaster Management Office
[VT6 million and VT4 million respectively]
b)supplementary post assessment cost expenditure

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c)Relief supplies to the provinces of Tafea and Torba for Tropical Cyclones [VT 20 Million for each
province]

Under the organisational restructure, the NDMO becomes an office of its own with sufficient personnel
for the operational function of the office.

The budget allocation is also to empower the NDMO in the panning out of the Vanuatu NAP across the
sectors. At present, the NDMO is lobbying the Education sector in Vanuatu to integrate DRR and DM
into their education policy and plan (Vanuatu Education Sector Strategy 2007 - 2016).

In addition to the financial commitment by the Vanuatu Government, the Pacific Disaster Risk
Management Partnership Network (PDRMPN) is on hand to ensure long term and coordinated technical
and financial support is available for the implementation of the NAP.

Context & Constraints:
The NAP is in its 3rd year of implementation. While its intention is to integrate DRR and DM across the
sectors as well as provincially and down to the community level, most of the sectors are addressing
disaster risk reduction through other plans and with the PDRMPN. One such example is the Integrated
Water Resource Management Demonstration Project poised to be implemented in the Sarataka
Watershed and executed through the Department of Geology, Mines and Water Resources. The plan
has specific objectives and outputs to address underlying risks. However, these cross cutting linkages
needs to be documented as to show that it fulfills risk reduction activities as committed to by the Vanuatu
Government at national level and regionally.

Core indicator 3

Community Participation and decentralisation is ensured through the delegation of authority and

resources to local levels

Level of Progress achieved:
3: Institutional commitment attained, but achievements are neither comprehensive nor substantial

Description:
The overarching policy for this activity as this indicator suggests is the Vanuatu DRR and DM NAP 2006
- 2016, where under thematic area VI and strategy 8, the NDMO is tasked with the collaboration of these
various agencies in ensuring that communities do take action to reduce risks and prepare for disasters.

There are a number of non-governmental organisations that are already involved in support of
governments disaster response and relief programmes. These are namely:
a. World Vision
b. US Peace Corps
d. ADRA (Seventh Day Adventist)
e. Vanuatu Red Cross
f. Caritas Vanuatu
g. Jean Vancent De' Paul

Of the six listed, the ADRA together with the NDMO is actively training its Youth to venture into the
communities and conduct disaster assessment and relief work. Other partners include volunteer
organisations/agencies that work with civil society organisations and/or rural communities in the area of
disaster relief, preparedness and mitigation. These partners, namely JICA and the Peace Corps are
involved on a voluntary basis in this area as their secondary activity with their primary focus being on
service delivery and technical assistance type of work right across all the provinces of the 27 islands in

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Vanuatu. As much as their presence is right across the provinces and within the community, the
emphasis is still largely towards disaster management alone.

Context & Constraints:
However the above situation is to be enhanced with the recent expansion of the Foundations of the
Peoples of the South Pacific International (FSPI), into Vanuatu. FSPI is a network of non-governmental
organisations in the South Pacific who will start engaging communities in participatory methods of
problem identification, risk analysis and action planning in Vanuatu. The initiative is for the development
of people centred early warning system and community based DRR and DRM plans or for safer village
plans. These will be documented through participatory research and wide dissemination of the
traditional and modern vulnerability reduction methods, social conditions and skills that contributes to
community resilience in PICs, including Vanuatu. The objective for such is so that communities are
empowered to organise themselves for and manage disasters and to build risk reduction measures into
their daily development activities. Further, the projects are intended for improved linkages with key
stakeholders at both national and regional levels to promote sustainability of community activities and to
spread advocacy for community based vulnerability reduction.

Core indicator 4

A national multi sectoral platform for disaster risk reduction is functioning.

Level of Progress achieved:
4: Substantial achievement attained but with recognized limitations in key aspects, such as financial
resources and/ or operational capacities

Description:
Vanuatu has a National Task Force on Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management (NTF on
DRR & DM) who was initially responsible for securing cooperation from government Ministries to
progress the development of the National Action Plan and the strengthening of the PAA through disaster
risk reduction and disaster management. The NTF members are senior officers from ministries and
departments from the national and provincial governments of Vanuatu. In collaboration with the Pacific
Disaster Risk Management Partnership Network (PDRMPN) and the National Disaster Management
Office, the Vanuatu NAP was crafted with an implementation strategy.

To date there are Working Groups under the National Task Force which is than responsible for the
different sectors who facilitate discussions. The working groups are:
a. Training Advisory Working Group
b. Preparedness and Awareness Working Group
c. Risk Reduction and Hazard Mitigation Working Group
d. Meteo and Awareness Working Group

Context & Constraints:
Since the formation of the National Task Force and subsequent working groups, the implementation of
the National Action Plan for DRR & DM is progressing. At this stage, it could be deduced that their
national multi sectoral platform for disaster risk reduction is functioning. If sectors include disaster risk
reduction and disaster management into their budget planning and processes, the working groups
should be able to be self-sufficient.

Priority for action 2

Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning

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Core indicator 1

National and local risk assessments based on hazard data and vulnerability information are available

and include risk assessments for key sectors.

Level of Progress achieved:
2: Some progress, but without systematic policy and/ or institutional commitment

Description:
The Draft Vanuatu National Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Arrangements, 2008
(NDRRDMA) highlight common examples of risk reduction measures. These measures range from the
analysis of the hazards, to capacity building, appropriate policies and plans, its application to appropriate
early warning systems. The NDRRDM arrangements charge the National Disaster Risk Management
Office (NDRMO) with the coordination and development of a “risk reduction plan” whose purpose is to
identify and monitor priorities for risk reduction and allocate responsibilities to key agencies for the
implementation of the mitigation programmes consistent with national policies and priorities endorsed by
the National Disaster Risk Management Council and approved by the council of Ministers. The National
Risk Reduction Arrangements obligate risk reduction planning process to take note of reducing
underlying risks outlined in the Priorities Action Agenda (2005 - 2016), the DRR and DM NAP,
appropriate adaptation measures to deal with emerging risks associated with climate change and climate
variability, the application of risk management tools such as CHARM and modern technologies such as
GIS and remote sensing. In addition to the DRM arrangements, the NAP outlines key actions for
sectoral responsibility in incorporating risk reduction measures which already obligates the sectors.
a.The Ministry of Lands is currently developing a Land-Use management policy for developers to
conduct full risk assessments before development is approved. For risk assessments, the
Comprehensive Hazards and Risk Management (CHARM) tool is being introduced for use.
b.The Vanuatu Meteorology Services (VMS) climate change adaptation programmes has assessed for
the vulnerable areas around Vanuatu. This has resulted in the current relocation of Tekua community to
higher grounds and rainwater catchments for the communities of Pamma, Aniwa and Tongoa. In
addition, the VMS has in place assessment tools for El-nino and La Nina.

Context & Constraints:
One of the current limitations on national risk assessment tools such as CHARM, is the lack of capacity
to use such. The NDRMO has identified the need to train personal across the sectors in the use and
application of CHARM. In addition, under their new disaster risk management arrangements and
national action plan, hazards and risk management personnel has been established within the NDRMO.

Core indicator 2

Systems are in place to monitor, archive and disseminate data on key hazards and vulnerabilities

Level of Progress achieved:
2: Some progress, but without systematic policy and/ or institutional commitment

Description:
The VMS, have their own systems in place for the monitoring of meteorological hazards, tsunami
warnings and watches and the dissemination of it to communities. One of the activities under the NAP is
the incorporation of geohazards monitoring under VMS to take effect in 2009.

In addition, the existing GIS based systems which could easily incorporate hazards and vulnerabilities
information:
a. POPGIS - Vanuatu National Statistics Office
b. PEIN - Pacific Environment Information Network

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c. VANRIS - Vanuatu Natural Resource Inventory System
d. Vanuatu MapServer

Of relevance is the Population Geographical Information System (POPGIS) of which the Vanuatu
National Statistics Office incorporates in its information system. POPGIS are population maps of each of
the six provinces of Vanuatu. The system can be expanded to include hazard and risks maps. At the
moment, in addition to population maps of the 6 provinces, the system also has water resources and
sanitation maps of these provinces. The NAP tasks the Vanuatu National Statistics Office to work with
the relevant sector heads for the incorporation of area maps on hazard risks and vulnerability and for this
to be made accessible.

The Vanuatu Map Server is also a tool that has been implemented to strengthen integrated development
in three key areas of the islands systems (hazards and risk assessment; aggregates for construction;
and water and sanitation). The objective of having the map server was to strengthen the availability of
accurate and timely data in order to reduce vulnerability through the development of an integrated
planning and management system. The data on the Vanuatu map server incorporates portions of the
datasets of the Vanuatu Natural Resource Inventory System (VANRIS).

It is envisaged under the NAP, that linkages between these various systems is established to inform an
information system for DRR and DM.

Context & Constraints:
With the recent launch of the Pacific Disaster Net, there is potential for it to serve as the disaster risk
management information system. However, this is an area that needs to be worked out by the relevant
working group.

Related links:
Pacific Disaster Net http://www.pacificdisaster.net
Vanuatu Map Server http://map.lands.gov.vu/tiki/tiki-index.php
Vanuatu Statistics Office PopGIS http://www.spc.int/prism/country/vu/stats/Popgis/gisindex.htm

Core indicator 3

Early warning systems are in place for all major hazards, with outreach to communities.

Level of Progress achieved:
2: Some progress, but without systematic policy and/ or institutional commitment

Description:
Vanuatu's major natural hazards are: cyclones, volcanic eruptions, floods, earthquakes and tsunamis
and droughts. Under the all hazards approach adopted and encompassed in their disaster risk
management arrangements, the human induced one includes industrial accidents, fires, vehicle
accidents, hazardous materials accidents, marine oil spillage, aircraft accidents, exotic diseases and
health epidemics. At present, there are existing early warning systems in place for:
a. meteorological hazards - real time links with World Meteorological Organisation, Bureau of
Meteorological, Fiji Meteorological Services and NIWA
b. tsunamis from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.

Current initiatives include the implementation of 2 seismic gauges for early warning of geological
hazards. In addition, the e-gov initiative of Vanuatu is being supported by the VMS as this will enable
the expansion of RANET at Siviri Village to the other provinces. RANET is an international collaboration

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to make weather, climate, and related information more accessible to remote and resource poor
populations.

Other than the early warning systems, VMS has a regular awareness programs and articles through
Vanuatu's local radio stations and newspapers. There are also awareness groups around the different
communities in Vanuatu.

Context & Constraints:
A risk reduction and hazard mitigation working group has just been established in Vanuatu to improve
the understanding of hazards, vulnerabilities and communities at risk. The working group has been
convening meetings with geology and mines, the water unit and geo-hazard to discuss monitoring
arrangements and alerts systems for Vanuatu's key hazards.

Core indicator 4

National and local risk assessments take account of regional / trans boundary risks, with a view to

regional cooperation on risk reduction.

Level of Progress achieved:
2: Some progress, but without systematic policy and/ or institutional commitment

Description:
As part of the pacific regions plan to strengthen regional cooperation and integration as the main
instrument of realising the Pacific Vision, the Melanesian Volcanological Network (MVN), was proposed
for greater effectiveness and sustainability of volcanological operations throughout the volcanically active
parts of Melanesia through partnerships, resource sharing, common understanding and agreed
objectives. The MVN is not to replace Vanuatu’s efforts to improve volcanic risk reduction but rather
enhance these through the provision of a sub-regional framework that would strengthen the volcano
monitoring system, the training of staff in its use and in the public awareness of volcano risks and
hazards amongst communities. While the MVN is still in the stages of being formalised, the partnership
of the technical agency Geological & Nuclear Science (GNS Science) has involved a detailed review of
Vanuatu’s instrumentation and network requirements for monitoring volcanic hazards in 2007. The
support for this monitoring instrumentation includes seismic monitoring and has been earmarked to be
implemented over a period of 3 years. A few sub-regional meetings and workshops has been held to
flesh out the design and operations of the MVN.

Context & Constraints:
One of the main hindrances in the establishment of the framework has been the absence of PNG in
these meetings, the other key Melanesian within this network. However, this has not deterred national
activity in Vanuatu who is in the process of presenting to their Cabinet, a scoping paper / policy paper on
the MVN.

Priority for action 3

Use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels

Core indicator 1

Relevant information on disasters is available and accessible at all levels, to all stakeholders (through

networks, development of information sharing systems etc)

Level of Progress achieved:

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3: Institutional commitment attained, but achievements are neither comprehensive nor substantial

Description:
A recent achievement is the availability of the Pacific Disaster Net, a web portal for disaster risk
management in the Pacific Region to support Pacific Island Countries to develop and implement their
national action plans. The information system is designed to be the largest collection and
comprehensive resource to facilitate informed decisions on matters related to DRM and sustainable
development. It hosts material and real time information on alerts notification, events, reports,
documents and publications, data inventories, audio-visual files on any of the countries in the region
including relevant information on disasters for Vanuatu. The PDN is a living collection and growing DRM
information resource that supports national action planning, decision making and provides in-country
information. PDN is available for use by Pacific Countries and is available in a format for much wider
reach into the communities.

Context & Constraints:
While this information system is available for access by everyone in the region, its usability within
Vanuatu has already been applauded by the Vanuatu National Disaster Risk Management Office.
However its early days to see its effectiveness within communities. While the Vanuatu NAP obligates 'a'
information system, it does not single out the PDN as the information system for such.

Related links:
Pacific Disaster Net http://www.pacificdisaster.net

Core indicator 2

School curricula , education material and relevant trainings include disaster risk reduction and recovery

concepts and practices.

Level of Progress achieved:
2: Some progress, but without systematic policy and/ or institutional commitment

Description:
There has been some progress with regards to the inclusion of DRR and recovery concepts and
practices into the school curricula. With the partnership of UNESCO under the Education for Natural
Disaster Preparedness (ENDP) project, a comprehensive review of the education sector was conducted
by the National Disaster Management Office of Vanuatu, on how schools can be made safer, secure and
also an environment that promotes a culture of safety and resilience. One of the key activities of the
DRR and DM National Action Plan 2006 - 2016 is the integration of DRR & DM principles and concepts
into the school curriculum and in training courses offered by other institutions. The overarching plan for
the Education Sector is at present, the Vanuatu Education Sector Strategy 2007 - 2016 (VESS). While
there has been headway nationally to integrate DRR and DM into the school curricula and that of other
training centres, the current VESS fails to address how schools could be made safe, secure and resilient
to disasters despite many of the Vanuatu schools being in remote locations and / or some located in high
risk areas. In addition, the review discovered that neither of the schools has disaster plans but react on
a hazard by hazard basis. While some schools have taken the initiative to develop their own safety
within a school guidelines or instructions on how to do so, it is not mandatory for such to be developed.
In terms of the curricula, hazards are taught as part of the broader geography course for Grades 5 and 6.
There is no specific curriculum to address disaster risk management and teachers are not mandated by
their teaching curricula to teach these concepts. However, there is increasing concerns from principals
and teachers on the pressing need to address this issue in Vanuatu.

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Context & Constraints:
The review of the Education Sector to fulfil the action stipulated in the DRR and DM NAP concluded in
July 2008. In the review, the NDMO suggested the Vanuatu Education Sector Strategy 2007 - 2016
needs to reflect the intentions of the NAP. In the review, all aspects of safety and secure schools were
looked at from the school buildings and structures, to the inclusion of disaster reduction concepts within
the school curricula. The outcome of the review are 17 recommended strategies clustered around 5
themes:
a.Governance and Policy Context
b.Mainstreaming of DRR to build safe and secure schools for kids and teachers
c.Strengthening Disaster Management so that students can respond effectively to any disaster impacts
d.Information systems and knowledge management as part of curriculum development
e.Capacity Development

The corresponding strategies to implement these themes are outlined in the document titled "Education
on Natural Disaster Preparedness for Sustainable Development: Final Report of the Republic of
Vanuatu."

Supporting document:
Education on Natural Disaster Preparedness for Sustainable Development: Final Report of the Republic
of Vanuatu (2008)
http://www.preventionweb.net/files/3561_VANUATUFINALREPORTONENDPPROJECT.pdf [PDF 1.78
MB]

Core indicator 3

Research methods and tools for multi-risk assessments and cost benefit analysis are developed and

strenghtened.

Level of Progress achieved:
3: Institutional commitment attained, but achievements are neither comprehensive nor substantial

Description:
An initial cost benefit analysis of the economic impact of natural disasters on development in Vanuatu
was conducted in 2005. Out of this initial study, an economic assessment tool was developed for
sectoral (social, economic and infrastructure) assessments of disaster impacts and guidelines on
baseline data collection was developed. The Vanuatu DRR and DM National Action Plan stipulates for
adaptation and risk reduction measures to be implemented particularly assessments of potential impacts
of particular scale of disaster event on at risk communities for input into sector planning for disaster risk
reduction and disaster management and the strengthening of systems for the collection of historical /
baseline data on hazards and vulnerabilities. In addition, the NAP outlines for government officials are to
be trained in the use of such tools to enable them to conduct multi-risk assessments. The Draft NDRM
arrangements also recognise the use of tools and techniques from other countries and regions that may
be relevant to Vanuatu.

Context & Constraints:
The first initial study has been the only one since. However the findings of the research is currently
being used to highlight at decision-making level of the Finance and Planning Ministry of Vanuatu of the
need to incorporate disaster risk reduction and disaster management into national planning and
budgetary process.

Core indicator 4

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Countrywide public awareness strategy exists to stimulate a culture of disaster resilience, with outreach

to urban and rural communities.

Level of Progress achieved:
2: Some progress, but without systematic policy and/ or institutional commitment

Description:
Various groups and sectors are involved in their own awareness programmes to do with disaster risk
reduction and disaster management. Ad hoc public awareness exists across the relevant sectors in
Vanuatu, namely with:
a. National Disaster Risk Management Office
b. Geo-hazard Unit
c. Water Unit
d. Vanuatu Meteorological Services
e. Agriculture Department
f. Department of Land
g. Live Stock Department
h. Quarantine Department
i. Department of Public Health
j. Police Department
k. Environment Unit
l. Department of Public Works
m. Fire Service Section
n. Department of Cultural Centre

In addition to these initiatives, the World Disaster Risk Reduction Campaign is conducted every October
with specific target audiences. In 2007, it was specifically targeted for schools in the Northern region of
Vanuatu.

Context & Constraints:
The NDRM arrangements allow for public awareness on disaster risk reduction and disaster
management as the individual responsibility of all government departments, provincial and municipal
councils and NGOs, in collaboration with the beneficiaries of such and to be supported by the NDRMO
and the Training Advisory Working Group for DRR and DM. However a strategy for such an approach
has yet to be formulated.

Priority for action 4

Reduce the underlying risk factors

Core indicator 1

Disaster risk reduction is an integral objective of environment related policies and plans, including for

land use natural resource management and adaptation to climate change.

Level of Progress achieved:
3: Institutional commitment attained, but achievements are neither comprehensive nor substantial

Description:
The Environmental Management and Conservation Act 2002 of Vanuatu provides for Environmental
Impact Assessments (EIA) to be undertaken for all development activities that impact or are likely to

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impact on the environment of Vanuatu. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Lands is developing and
Land-Use management policy to enable developers to conduct full risk assessment before development
can be approved.

Context & Constraints:
The Land Use Policy is currently under development by the Ministry of Lands of Vanuatu, which will
incorporate disaster risk reduction measures for land-use. In addition, they have a land degradation
programme through which priority hazards are identified with measures to deal with them nationally,
provincially and at community level. In terms of climate change adaptation, adaptation projects has been
carried out where the Tekua community and rainwater catchments of Pamma, Aniwa and Tongoa has
been relocated.

Core indicator 2

Social development policies and plans are being implemented to reduce the vulnerability of populations

most at risk.

Level of Progress achieved:
3: Institutional commitment attained, but achievements are neither comprehensive nor substantial

Description:
It is widely known within Vanuatu that their Women play a vital role in preparing for disaster and
transmitting traditional knowledge of coping strategies to the young especially a family unit. They are
recognised within communities as the first to provide comfort, assurance, and survival using her
traditional knowledge and practices in times of disasters. These skills are informal education systems
that are transmitted from an early age. As such the women are already involved in planning
preparedness strategies in some strong traditional based communities in the country. In addition to
these skills passed on in life, the Department of Culture has an active ‘Women’s Culture Programme’
whereby they establish women field workers who represent an island or community in rural settings. The
women programme covers issues of:
a.Traditional practices on food processing and security
b.Traditional knowledge and skills in building strong traditional structures houses
c.Promote traditional healthy food for healthy kids
d.Protecting and promoting local languages

The women field workers work in collaboration with respective traditional chiefs on a joint consultation
basis on issues relating to culture and tradition to sustain value within the country in the future.

The NAP 2006 - 2016 has a specific activity to ensure that appropriate traditional knowledge and
practices are documented and integrated into the DRR and DM information system. At present,
research on such is ongoing with Futuna Island.

Context & Constraints:
Traditional knowledge of survival and food security and preservation needs to be documented. At
present, the NDRMO is collaborating with the Red Cross for the piloting of this documentation of
traditional knowledge in a workshop in the province of Torba.

Core indicator 3

Economic and productive sectorial policies and plans have been implemented to reduce the vulnerability

of economic activities

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Level of Progress achieved:
1: Minor progress with few signs of forward action in plans or policy

Description:
A project has been recently proposed to promote DRR and climate change adaptation within the Tourism
Industry. Dialogue is at discussion stage. Traditional coping mechanisms particularly on food security
during a time of disaster is being researched and documented for extrapolation into policy.

Context & Constraints:
Economic and productive sectoral vulnerability are known to exist in Vanuatu. Initial studies on the
impact of natural disasters on the economic and productive sectors have been conducted. Risk
reduction measures do exist. Environmental Impact Assessments are required of all major development
projects within Vanuatu. Risk assessments are being promoted for all land-use development. This is
being developed under their land-use policy.

Core indicator 4

Planning and management of human settlements incorporate disaster risk reduction elements, including

enforcement of building codes.

Level of Progress achieved:
2: Some progress, but without systematic policy and/ or institutional commitment

Description:
As previously stated, risk assessments is being advocated and promoted for all land-use development.
This is being developed under their land-use planning policy and regulation by the Ministry of Lands. In
short, the policy will regulate development license approval, land use planning, resource development
and management and building codes as appropriate. The policy is intended to also obligate
communities and business sectors to comply with these regulations and to encourage them to develop
their own mechanisms to reduce disaster risks.

Context & Constraints:
The land-use policy is being developed. The risk assessment tool to be used is the Comprehensive
Hazards and Risk Management (CHARM) tool of which people will need to be trained in its use.

Core indicator 5

Disaster risk reduction measures are integrated into post disaster recovery and rehabilitation processes

Level of Progress achieved:
3: Institutional commitment attained, but achievements are neither comprehensive nor substantial

Description:
A disaster recovery committee (DRC) plans for, coordinates and monitors all disaster recovery activities
working closely with NGO's and other support agencies. Under the NDRM arrangements, and in the
DRR and DM National Action Plan, one of their functions is to develop a sustainable national financing
mechanism for supporting response and recovery activities into communities at times of disasters. The
DRC comprises of heads of different sectors:
a. Ministry of Finance
b. Department of Strategic Management
c. Public Works Department
d. Rural Water Supply
e. Education

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f. Geology
g. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
h. Health Department

In addition to the conventional recovery work, the DRC has also been tasked to identify long term
recovery activities and formulate donor submissions for long-term recovery and reconstruction.

Context & Constraints:
The sustainable national financing mechanism is a work in progress by the Ministry of Finance and
Economic Management. A review of the current disaster recovery process and situation will he
undertaken and an options paper developed for presentation to the Council of Ministers.

Core indicator 6

Procedures are in place to assess the disaster risk impacts of major development projects, especially

infrastructure.

Level of Progress achieved:
3: Institutional commitment attained, but achievements are neither comprehensive nor substantial

Description:
Policy is currently being formulated for risk assessments to be undertaken for all development projects
prior to consent approval. In addition, environmental impact assessment procedures stipulate for
geological hazards to be assessed on all development work prior to approval, particularly if it were to
alter significantly the environment such as coastal dynamics and pollution of water resources.

Context & Constraints:
Land Use policy is being formulated to obligate developers with risk assessments prior to consent
approval.

Priority for action 5

Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels

Core indicator 1

Strong policy, technical and institutional capacities and mechanisms for disaster risk management, with

a disaster risk reduction perspective are in place.

Level of Progress achieved:
2: Some progress, but without systematic policy and/ or institutional commitment

Description:
The newly established National Disaster Risk Management Arrangements of Vanuatu currently in draft
stages replaces the previous National Disaster Emergency Plan of 1987. The arrangements are a
conclusive result of the consultation and review of the previous arrangements for disaster management
which was primarily focused on disaster preparedness, response and recovery. The new arrangements
however have a strong emphasis on disaster risk management and provide a mechanism for the
adoption of an all hazards and integrated approach to disaster risk reduction and disaster management,
including an outline of the functions of the agencies responsible for such an integrated approach. The
arrangements provide a guide for all government departments and sectors, provincial councils, municipal
councils, community groups, NGOs, private sectors and donor partners to prepare their own internal

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disaster risk reduction and disaster management plans and standard operating procedures. In addition,
the arrangements also outline the technical aspects of disaster risk management for the effective
coordination of disaster risk reduction and disaster management in Vanuatu. There is a strong emphasis
on capacity building of staff and improving of emergency communications systems to strengthen
Vanuatu’s levels of preparedness and response. In their recovery arrangements, risk reduction
measures have also been outlined.

Context & Constraints:
These new arrangements are designed to substantially strengthen the capacity of the National Disaster
Risk Management Office in their ability to manage hazards and reduce the risks to the nation. The
arrangements was a collaborative effort of all disaster risk management partners, of Vanuatu and the
Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Draft Arrangements are awaiting the approval of the recently elected
Vanuatu Government.

Core indicator 2

Disaster preparedness plans and contingency plans are in place at all administrative levels, and regular

training drills and rehearsals are held to test and develop disaster response programmes.

Level of Progress achieved:
4: Substantial achievement attained but with recognized limitations in key aspects, such as financial
resources and/ or operational capacities

Description:
As stated in the earlier section, the new disaster risk management arrangements of Vanuatu provide a
guide for all government departments and sectors, provincial councils, municipal councils, community
groups, NGOs, private sectors and donor partners to prepare their own internal disaster risk reduction
and disaster management plans and standard operating procedures. The arrangements also obligate
the National Disaster Management Office for providing technical support in the development and support
of exercises to test the disaster support plans of these sectors and departments. This support is to be
outreached regionally and provincially.

Context & Constraints:
As previously stated, the arrangements currently await the approval of the recently elected government
of Vanuatu. Simultaneously, the National Action Plan for DRR and DM lists the strengthening of disaster
management as one of its themes. To date progress includes:
a. Revised Ministry of Health Disaster Plan
b. Review of the Standard Operating Procedures
c. Disaster plans being developed for the Police and Sanma Province
d. A Task Force member within the Ministry Of Provincial Affairs has been tasked with coordinating DRM
within this agency.
e. Six Provincial Disaster Coordinators has been established within the National Disaster Management
Office
f. Disaster Risk Management Officers have been established within the Vanuatu Meteorological Services
and the Ministry of Health.

Core indicator 3

Financial reserves and contingency mechanisms are in place to support effective response and recovery

when required.

Level of Progress achieved:

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3: Institutional commitment attained, but achievements are neither comprehensive nor substantial

Description:
In the budgeting period for 2006 - 2008, the Vanuatu Government committed 40million Vatu to post
assessment and relief supplies cost for Tropical Cyclones. The NAP and the Disaster Risk Management
arrangements outline and task the ministry of finance and economic management for a long-term
financing mechanisms for effective support of response and recovery efforts into communities. The
ministry of internal affairs agrees that DRR and DM budget cost need to be reflected in future budget
processes of Vanuatu in 2009 and beyond. The establishment of a Trust Fund for response and
recovery has been included in the National Arrangements and Legislation.

Context & Constraints:
At present a review is to be undertaken on the current situation of response and recovery efforts and
costing in Vanuatu, after which an options paper will be developed and presented before the Council of
Ministers.

Core indicator 4

Procedures are in place to exchange relevant information during hazard events and disasters, and to

undertake post-event reviews

Level of Progress achieved:
2: Some progress, but without systematic policy and/ or institutional commitment

Description:
The recovery section of the National Disaster Management Arrangements outline the functions, roles
and responsibilities of agencies responsible for recovery. In the arrangements a disaster recovery
committee is tasked with a recovery plan and the documentation of recovery programmes.

Context & Constraints:
This can be factored into the information management system for Vanuatu.

Drivers of Progress

a) Multi-hazard integrated approach to disaster risk reduction and development

Levels of Reliance:
Partial/ some reliance: Full acknowledgement of the issue; strategy/ framework for action developed to
address it; application still not fully implemented across policy and practice; complete buy in not
achieved from key stakeholders.

Do studies/ reports/ atlases on multi-hazard analyses exist in the country/ for the sub region?:
No

Description (Please provide evidence of where, how and who):
The Vanuatu National Action Plan for DRR and DM 2006 - 2016 and the National Disaster Risk
Management Arrangements (Draft 2008) reflect an all-hazards approach to disaster risk reduction and
disaster management. The NAP is in its third year of implementation. Substantial achievement has
been gained in the integration of disaster risk reduction and development, sectorally and provincially as
well as down to community levels. To date these sectors are:
a. Ministry of Internal Affairs

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b. Prime Ministers Office
c. Provincial Affairs
d. Ministry of Health
e. Ministry of Education
f. Department of Lands
g. Vanuatu Meteorological Services
h. Non Governmental Organisations
g. Civil Society Organisations / Community Groups

b) Gender perspectives on risk reduction and recovery adopted and institutionalized

Description (Please provide evidence of where, how and who):
The role of women in relief, rehabilitation and recovery is common knowledge in Vanuatu. Their role as
disseminators of traditional knowledge and food security is also acknowledged by the community as
crucial in the relief and recovery process. As such, this is acknowledged by the National Disaster Risk
Management Office and documented in other sectoral reviews on the mainstreaming process for DRR
and DM. Gender perspectives are yet to be fully adopted and institutionalised.

c) Capacities for risk reduction and recovery identified and strengthened

Description (Please provide evidence of where, how and who):
While some risk reduction measures are known to exist within some of the sectors in Vanuatu, its
complete application and full buy in by all key stakeholders are all part of the mainstreaming exercise of
DRR and DM in Vanuatu. The capacity constraints / limitations has been acknowledged in the other
priority areas for action.

d) Human security and social equity approaches integrated into disaster risk reduction

and recovery activities

Description (Please provide evidence of where, how and who):
The partnership of non governmental organisations and civil society groups is largely acknowledged by
the National Disaster Risk Management Office. Particularly so, because of their outreach to the remote
communities of Vanuatu. Technologies for early warnings such as RANET is being advocated for
implementation particularly of its capacity and cost effectiveness to reach and operate in the remotest of
communities.

e) Engagement and partnerships with non-governmental actors; civil society, private

sector, amongst others, have been fostered at all levels

Levels of Reliance:

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Partial/ some reliance: Full acknowledgement of the issue; strategy/ framework for action developed to
address it; application still not fully implemented across policy and practice; complete buy in not
achieved from key stakeholders.

Description (Please provide evidence of where, how and who):
Vanuatu relies a great deal on the partnership of non-governmental actors, civil societies and other
community groups for their relief, rehabilitation and recovery work. These partnership range in the
vicinity from immediate relief to rehabilitation and recovery such as the building of homes resilient in the
face of disasters. Through the Vanuatu Rural Development and Training Centres Association
(VRDTCA), OXFAM and their partners Habitat for Humanity have embarked on a community project
since 2004 where they train unemployed youths on skills in construction and carpentry while at they
same time, providing Vanuatu Communities with earthquake and cyclone resistant houses using
concrete interlocking blocks. Course participants are taught how to make this concrete interlocking
blocks a revolutionary technology which is used to construct earthquake and cyclone-resistant buildings
at a fraction of the cost of other materials and with a third the cement of regular bricks. This technology is
vital in a region which is prone to regular earthquakes and cyclones and where substandard housing is a
big issue. The course has had 450 graduates since it started in 2004. The FSPI has recently come on
board for Vanuatu poised to engage communities in participatory methods of village safety plans and
people centred early warning systems.

f) Contextual Drivers of Progress

Description (Please provide evidence of where, how and who):
The success of Vanuatu's multi-sectoral, provincial and community approach to disaster risk reduction
and disaster management can be attributed to the political will behind Vanuatu's efforts to mainstream
DRR and DM. Vanuatu was the first country in the Pacific region whose government committed to
developing a National Action Plan on DRR and DM. The commitment is also the results of the efforts of
a High Level Advocacy Team together with Vanuatu's National Disaster Risk Management Office that
such headway has been gained in Vanuatu. The NAP is a 10 year action plan of which its evaluation for
effectiveness is yearly. The results of its effectiveness is encompassed in this report.

Future outlook

Area 1

The more effective integration of disaster risk considerations into sustainable development policies,

planning and programming at all levels, with a special emphasis on disaster prevention, mitigation,

preparedness and vulnerability reduction.

Overall Challenges:
The challenge is to maintain the interest and political will regardless of the government of the day.
Vanuatu has recently elected a new government as of September 2008.

Future Outlook Statement:
"Disaster is a development issue. There must be a political will to ensure disaster risk considerations are
fully integrated into all our policies, plans, budgets, and decision-making processes at all levels of

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government and communities and Vanuatu has shown that will and commitment through this process."

Area 2

The development and strengthening of institutions, mechanisms and capacities at all levels, in particular

at the community level, that can systematically contribute to building resilience to hazards.

Overall Challenges:
Most of the institutional strengthening mechanisms such as the National Disaster Management
Arrangements and Legislation hang in the balance as a new government comes into effect. The
challenge would be the continuation of the momentum gained in the milestone achievement of
mainstreaming DRR and DM in Vanuatu. The new arrangements are holistic and all encompassing with
of difference sectors, provinces and community levels. The guidelines through which it is based on has
its origins in the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005 - 2015.

Future Outlook Statement:
"We realise that in this effort to build a safe, secure and resilient Vanuatu, our national resources are
limited and thus we need the support of our friends and support from the whole international community.
We also need long-term commitment and support from our regional organisations and development
partners."

Area 3

The systematic incorporation of risk reduction approaches into the design and implementation of

emergency preparedness, response and recovery programmes in the reconstruction of affected

communities.

Overall Challenges:
The new disaster risk management arrangements of Vanuatu, task's its office with the lead agency for
disaster risk reduction initiatives and disaster management. Much headway has been done in the
establishment of a framework on DRR and DM, the political will and commitment for such, multi-sectoral
approach to risk reduction and the technological capacity enhanced for preparedness, response and
recovery programmes. It's implementation requires the National Disaster Risk Management Office to be
strengthened and thoroughly equipped for this to be effective.

Future Outlook Statement:
"To put effect to this commitment, we need firm political and financial commitment to see that disaster
risk reduction and disaster management is mainstreamed into our national policies, plans, budgetary
provisions and decision making across all sectors and all levels of government, and communities and
that disaster risk management is the responsibility of the whole country and is everyone's business.

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